Seven powerful quotes from Pravin Gordhan’s outgoing press conference

Important voices have said important things and in between the rubble, there is a glimmer of hope. South Africa - and indeed the ANC - is not beyond salvation.

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA  MARCH 29, 2017: Pravin Gordhan attends the funeral service of, ANC stalwart, Ahmed Mohamed Kathrada on March 29, 2017. Family and friends bid farewell to the beloved Rivonia trialist, former political prisoner and anti-apartheid activist who passed away early yesterday morning. (Photo by Gallo Images/ Sowetan / Sandile Ddlovu)

The last week has been a whirlwind week in South African politics. From the will he, won’t he to oh-my-god he did cabinet reshuffle and the backlash that followed.

It’s been grim, but it’s fair to say that in between all the miserable news, there have been sprinklings of hope. Important and influential political voices have stood up and had their say. It is clear that the country and indeed the African National Congress is not beyond salvation.

Pravin Gordhan, the former Finance Minister, is one of those who has made his voice heard. In an unprecedented press conference, Gordhan made some succinct points on Friday.

It was clear that Gordhan and his deputy – the also fired Mcebisi Jonas – had a great working relationship. The pair pulled the charm offensive and looked in good spirits despite the proverbial shitstorm brewing around them.

Journalists, whooped, clapped and cheered – unprecedented behaviour for a press conference. But these are unprecedented times. And the country clearly has a number of leaders willing to stand up and fight for change.

1. The public should mobilise. Fragmented voices don’t have the weight it requires. Masses make history, not individuals.

6. We also stayed up like you last night- we learnt our fate from the TV screen. Not from a phone call or chat or conversation.

A number of ministers who were fired reiterated this, saying they found out through the media that they had been fired.

7. Why must we deal with people who are never seen in the public sphere? Why don’t they come out face to face, so we can debate face to face. We are an open democracy in South Africa, we have nothing to hide.